Wetsuits, mask, snorkel and fins supplied. © 2020 Atlas Obscura. The male seals can weigh from 187kg to 360kg and are very territorial whilst looking after their harem of 5 to 25 females. False Bay, Western Cape, South Africa, Africa. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. IiNkwenkwezi eziPhahlileyo (The Stars Beside). See how they play, mate, calve, devour fish and look after their young. Cape Fur Seals, Arctocephalus pusillus. There are large numbers of Seal colonies all along the South African coastline - an almost endless array of opportunities to enjoy South African seal trips. Cape St Francis Accommodation Located in the charming holiday village of Cape St Francis on the Sunshine Coast, the Cape St Francis Lighthouse was commissioned on 4 July 1878. Sunrise at Seal Island. Seal trips will give you the opportunity to not only to observe and learn more of the seals but also witness whales in all their glory. Observe the beautiful and endearing seal puppy’s antics and how the parents look after them. No experience required. Among the many variations of South African seals is the Cape Fur seal. One bull has about 5 to 25 cows in his territory and only 7 days after giving a birth the next rutting season starts. Discover Seal Island in Cape Town, South Africa: Haven for Cape Fur Seals, until the Ring of Death of jumping Great White Sharks arrives. An abandoned water park overtaken by the dunes. There are many companies offering amazing seal trips. Seal Island - False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa Seal Island, False Bay is unquestionably one of the world's famous great natural history locations and the first choice for any serious shark enthusiast wanting more than just an adrenalin rush. A memorable South African seal trip is that of Dyer Island where annual pupping of the seals takes place. You will also observe the looming Sentinal mountain, shimmering waters and magnificent sandy beaches along the coastline. This is a scenic guided Harbour cruise through the working Harbour of Cape Town, seals, ships and much much more. Off-limits and full of venomous pit vipers, Snake Island's nickname is frighteningly apt. Offer subject to change without notice. When the top layer gets wet the bottom layer remains dry. Cow seals are a lot smaller than bulls and they only weigh up to 75kg. It is 5 acres (2.0 hectares) in area and home to 64,000 cape fur seals. Seal Island in the middle of False Bay near Cape Town in South Africa. 1. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Simons Town Accommodation On this charter, we follow the shoreline to Seal Island, passing Glencairn close to Simons Town, The Clan Stuart shipwreck, Fish Hoek, onto the bohemian village of ... Stay? The island is so named because of the great number of Cape fur seals that occupy it. Stay? South African Cape fur seals colony. Plettenberg Bay Accommodation Snorkel with friendly inquisitive Cape Fur Seals! Many generations ago, it was said that one could find celestial splendor in a lush meadow not far from this very marker according to the lore of Kcymaerxthaere. At Geyser Rock, predations by white sharks were rarely observed (0.1 predations/hour) compared to Seal Island (1.24 predations/hour) and lacked the focused spatiotemporal peak at sunrise to the south of the island. The bottom layer as well as the fat formation under the skin gives the seals a good isolation against the cold currents. Cape Fur Seals are easily seen between the West Coast and Port Elizabeth as they live in sizeable colonies, usually on offshore islands. Seal Island boat ... Stay? See. Introduction About 70 percent of the declared road network in the KwaZulu-Natal province of the Republic of South Africa … Escape the summer heat for an unforgettable experience, snorkeling with Cape ... Water Sports / Sports & Leisure / Extreme Sports. kilometres (3.5 miles) off the northern beaches of False Bay, near Cape Town, in South Africa. Swimming with Seals & 15 Other Unusual Things to Do in South Africa, Things to Do with Kids on the Atlantic Seaboard, Search for 'Seal' Activities (and service providers) or browse other. A few weeks after the bulls have arrived, the pregnant cows come to the colony to have one youngster. Please click below to consent to the use of this technology while browsing our site. Ideal for School ... Stay? observations on the performance of Otta seal trial sections constructed on a low volume gravel road on the outskirts of the city of Durban on the eastern coast of South Africa. Mossel Bay Accommodation Seal Island in Mossel Bay is populated by over 2500 Cape Fur Seals and the island is surround by their greatest enemy - The Great White Shark. The pregnancy lasts for about 8 months. This abandoned artificial island off the coast of New York City is now home to dozens of harbor seals. Seal trips in South Africa will help you gain a further understanding of these gorgeous creatures in their natural habitat. SA-Venues.com © 1999-2020. False Bay, Western Cape, South Africa, Africa. No purchase necessary. However, the Great White Sharks also love the little island and at certain times of the year create a circle around it known as the Ring of Death. Cape fur seals on Geyser Rock near Gansbaai, South Africa. A memorial to the only dog ever officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the world’s hidden wonders. Go for a 3 hour sightseeing cruise along the rugged coast of Chapman’s Peak, around the Sentinel to view the antics of the seals at Seal Island, then further along the coast to view the looming shipwreck in Maori Bay, past Sandy Bay to admire the sights both on and around the beach and past Llandudno Beach to view the 12 Apostles (the route depends on the mood of the Captain!). Scientific name: Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus. Located in False Bay just off the coast of Cape Town, Seal Island is a small granite landform absolutely swarmed with Cape Fur Seals. Seal trips in South Africa will help you gain a further understanding of these gorgeous creatures in their natural habitat. All rights reserved. See how they play, mate, calve, devour fish and look after their young. Along with observing seals, you will experience the magnificent South African coastline and all its wonders. Sunrise at Seal Island. It is here where they spend their days mating, calving and feeding on seals. Along with observing seals, you will experience the magnificent South African coastline and all its wonders. Humans have tried to inhabit the island, but failed, once as sealers in the early 20th century and later during World War II with an installation of a radar that was soon destroyed by the elements. 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Feb 20, 2013 - Seal Rock | South Africa | Cape Point | Jen Huang This tiny island is home to the world's largest colony of Northern gannets. All Rights Reserved. Sitemap. The 28-metre ... Stay? Seals at Geyser Rock did not show a relationship between group formation and season, which was clearly demonstrated at Seal Island. To learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy. Any seal that swims too far is attacked by the sharks that actually leap from the water with the seals in their teeth before crashing down into the waves. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. The Cape fur seal colony in Mossel Bay south Africa, The seal colony on the seal island, Geyser Rock, Gansbaai, South Africa. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Whilst the South African coastline provides some gorgeous views of crystal blue oceans and glistening golden beaches, the marine life in South African waters is just as marvellous. Most youngsters are born in November or December and they weigh about 4.5 to 7kg. Subscribe for the latest special offers and travel inspiration. South African (Cape) fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus), Colony of cape fur seals. When seal pups are about 7 months old they can stay in the water for up to 4 days. Aerial view of Geyser Rock, a small island next to Dyer Island which is home to a colony of Cape fur seals, off the coast of Gansbaai, South Africa, Cape fur seals on Geyser Rock, Gansbaai, South Africa. This African beach is home to thousands of rare mainland penguins that are known for their annoying voice. No ... 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